The Indiana Senate has approved a bill to simplify access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for people older than 60 or those with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture s anti-hunger program, formerly known as food stamps, is considered a lifeline by its low-income recipients. .
The pandemic-era boost to federal food aid is scheduled to end soon, but legislation in Olympia aims to help fill the gap in hunger relief. The emergency allotments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, increased food assistance during COVID-19 but will expire in March. House Bill 1784 in the Washington State Legislature would provide $28-million in food aid as soon April, if it passes. .
Whatcom County and Bellingham organizations are stocking up food banks with turkeys and other Thanksgiving groceries ahead of the holidays, and Lighthouse Mission Ministries re-ups its 99th free Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 24.